Stokes State Forest encompasses four distinct campgrounds near Mountainville, New York, each with different amenities and natural settings. Located in Sussex County at elevations ranging from 400-1,653 feet, the area experiences temperatures that can drop below freezing at night even in summer months. Cabins at Stokes feature wood stoves essential for cold weather camping, with visitors typically using two bundles of firewood per night during cooler seasons.
What to do
Hiking varied terrain: Access over 21 marked trails directly from campgrounds, including routes to scenic viewpoints. "We hiked the Tillman Ravine trail (tip: make the trail a loop and visit both the ravine and the nearby old cemetery)," notes a Stokes State Forest camper.
Winter cabin stays: Rent heated cabins with kitchens for off-season camping. "Rented a cabin in November (#009) and again in December (#008) of 2021. I favored Cabin 8, the kitchen and bathroom were separated from the main room," shares a visitor.
Waterfront activities: Fish, paddle, or simply relax by the water. "Clear streams and lake. Stunning overall. Lake Ocquittunk campground had showers, flush toilets and was popular with families," according to a camper at Ocquittunk.
Urban excursions: Use nearby transit for city visits. "This is a great spot with views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, etc. Expect to pay pretty good to be gear, but from here you can pretty much easily get anywhere in NYC," explains a Liberty Harbor RV Park visitor.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Secluded spots with lake views provide peaceful environments. "We stayed at site #T007 is was a short walk from the car to the site, but so worth it for many reasons. The site itself is huge and we were able to position our tent facing the lake, it was beautiful!" shares an Ocquittunk camper.
Well-spaced campsites: Sites offer privacy despite campground popularity. "Individual sites were generously sized, shady, and relatively private thanks to the vegetation. Some sites are along the lake," notes a visitor.
Clean facilities: Maintained bathrooms throughout the camping areas. "The bathrooms are clean and nicely placed. The sites had a fire ring with a cooking grate and a picnic table and were well spaced out from other sites," reports a camper.
Regional access: Proximity to other outdoor destinations. "This park feels very PA to us with rolling hills, bald-top mountains to climb (some with fire towers), and lots of water to explore," explains a visitor about the horse campgrounds near Mountainville, New York.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Proper food storage is essential in this wildlife-active area. "Remember, this is bear country so proper food storage is a must. Bear lockers are not provided. The area also has ticks and rattlesnakes," warns a Steam Mill Campground visitor.
Site selection matters: Choose sites based on your specific needs and preferences. "If you are looking for more secluded campsites try to get 13 or 14 as they seem to sick back more. Sites 8-11 are adjacent to the road and in peak times probably have a fair about of foot and vehicle traffic," advises a camper.
Seasonal crowds: Expect varying occupancy levels depending on when you visit. "While making reservations it said almost all sites were full but upon arrival the vast majority of sites were empty which made for a quiet/relaxing night," shares one camper.
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations require appropriate gear. "The second time I took six bundles of wood and used them all from Friday to Sunday morning, and 7 would've have been better," notes a cabin user about cold weather stays.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin conveniences: Consider cabins for easier family camping. "Sussex county is beautiful. Stokes is such a peaceful campground! We stay in the cabins. It's great to have the small kitchen when camping with the family. A must see campground," recommends a Stokes State Forest cabin user.
Bug considerations: Site selection affects insect exposure. "It was peaceful to hear the frogs chirping at night, but definitely didn't think about how many more bugs the pond would bring, probably wouldn't stay at that specific spot again even though it's really pretty," cautions a camper.
Activity planning: Combine hiking with other outdoor options. "Nice place to set up and car camp. Enjoyed some fishing and hiking within walking distance from the site," notes a visitor.
Weekend rhythm: Expect different noise levels throughout your stay. "We came on a Friday night. Everyone was up pretty late, but was not crazy loud. The rest of the weekend it seemed like everyone's simmered down," shares a camper.
Tips from RVers
Site surface conditions: Most sites have rocky terrain. "Most of the campsites were very rocky, but you can find some that have a little bit of grass," notes a visitor to the horse-friendly campgrounds near Mountainville.
Urban RV access: Consider city-adjacent options for sightseeing. "This is a pricey park, but options are limited. As in almost non existent. This is a prime location for visiting the city or heading down the shore. The light rail is a block away, and the path train is about 8," explains a Liberty Harbor RV camper.
Navigation challenges: Plan your approach carefully when driving larger vehicles. "Getting in and out of the city is an adventure. Stay right off the highway to avoid the $30 tunnel toll. Follow RV life pro and not Waze," advises an RV owner.
Hookup variability: Check site utilities before booking. "Sites kind of level and very close. Power and water, and convenient dump station if staying and needing to dump," reports an RV camper.
